Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and teeth that feel loose are not signs you should push aside. These are hallmarks of periodontitis, a destructive gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis progresses silently, often resulting in tooth loss and broader consequences for your overall health. For patients in Old Bridge, NJ, LANAP laser gum surgery offers a proven, minimally invasive path to stopping that progression and restoring the health of your gums without the discomfort and extended recovery associated with traditional gum surgery.
Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, led by Dr. Daniel Reich, provides LANAP laser gum surgery to patients throughout Old Bridge and the surrounding Middlesex County area. As a board-certified periodontist and Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Reich brings over 25 years of experience in periodontal treatment to every patient. Our practice is one of the few in the region equipped with the PerioLase MVP-7, the FDA-cleared Nd:YAG laser specifically designed for the LANAP protocol. If you have been told you need gum surgery, we encourage you to learn how LANAP may offer a gentler, more regenerative alternative. Visit our Old Bridge periodontist page to learn more about everything our practice provides in your area.
LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is the only FDA-cleared laser protocol proven to regenerate the bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament lost to gum disease. Unlike traditional osseous surgery, which requires cutting and suturing gum tissue, LANAP uses a precisely calibrated laser fiber thinner than a human hair to target and eliminate diseased tissue while leaving healthy gum tissue untouched. The result is a true regenerative response, not just the removal of infection.
The LANAP procedure is typically completed in two separate sessions, each treating half of the mouth. During each session, the PerioLase MVP-7 laser fiber is inserted gently between the gum and tooth without any cutting. The laser selectively destroys the harmful bacteria and diseased tissue lining the periodontal pocket while leaving healthy tissue intact. After the initial laser pass, the clinician removes calculus from the root surface. A second laser pass then stimulates the formation of a fibrin clot at the base of the pocket, which acts as a natural seal and signals the body to begin regenerating lost bone and tissue. Research published in PubMed Central’s journal Diagnostics found that patients treated with LANAP showed greater reductions in periodontal pocket depth and higher rates of pathogenic bacterial reduction compared to scaling and root planing alone, supporting LANAP as an effective and well-tolerated alternative to conventional treatment.
For many patients, the prospect of traditional gum surgery is the reason they avoid treatment altogether. Conventional osseous surgery involves cutting back gum tissue, which can result in gum recession, sensitivity, and a recovery period that spans days to weeks. LANAP avoids scalpels entirely. Because no incisions are made and no sutures are placed, the recovery time is dramatically shorter. Patients who have undergone traditional gum surgery and then experienced LANAP often describe the difference as striking. The laser approach also means less post-procedure bleeding and a significantly lower risk of infection. For older patients or those managing systemic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, the reduced surgical stress of LANAP can make treatment more accessible and safer.
Many patients who need periodontal care do not realize the severity of their condition until it has advanced considerably. Gum disease develops gradually, and its early stages are often painless. The following warning signs warrant a periodontal evaluation:
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, connecting with a periodontist in Old Bridge can help you understand the stage of your condition and which treatment is most appropriate. Our team also provides gum disease treatment in Old Bridge for patients across the full spectrum of periodontal disease severity.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, every patient begins with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation before any treatment is recommended. Dr. Reich conducts a thorough clinical examination, including periodontal probing and digital imaging, to assess the depth and severity of periodontal pockets and any associated bone loss. For patients who are candidates for LANAP, the process unfolds as follows.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Reich will review your periodontal charting, discuss your medical history, and determine whether LANAP is the appropriate course of treatment for your specific case. Not every patient with gum disease is automatically a candidate for LANAP. In some cases, scaling and root planing may be the recommended starting point, while moderate to advanced periodontitis is typically where LANAP delivers its most compelling results. We believe patients deserve an honest, individualized assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
One of the most valued aspects of LANAP for our Old Bridge patients is the recovery experience. Most patients return to normal activities the following day. There are no sutures to remove and no surgical sites that require special wound care. Some mild soreness and sensitivity around treated areas is normal in the days following the procedure. Dr. Reich and our team provide clear post-treatment guidelines, and patients are enrolled in a structured periodontal maintenance schedule to monitor healing and protect the results achieved through treatment. Our PerioLase MVP-7 technology page offers additional detail on how this laser system works.
Old Bridge residents seeking LANAP laser gum surgery have access to a periodontist whose credentials and depth of clinical experience are genuinely distinctive. Dr. Reich is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a designation earned by fewer than a third of practicing periodontists, which reflects a commitment to demonstrated clinical competency. In addition to his private practice at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, he serves as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University School of Dental Medicine, where he is involved in the training of the next generation of periodontists. Patients who have been told they need gum surgery by another provider are always welcome to come in for a second opinion. Dr. Reich is known for giving honest, transparent evaluations and working collaboratively with each patient to identify the treatment approach that fits their situation. To learn more about Dr. Reich’s background and philosophy, visit his biography page. Our practice also provides emergency periodontist services in Old Bridge for patients experiencing urgent gum-related concerns.
The full LANAP protocol is completed over two appointments, each treating half of the mouth. Each session typically takes one and a half to two hours. Most patients return to daily activities the day after each appointment.
LANAP is a recognized surgical periodontal procedure, and it may be covered in whole or in part by dental insurance plans that include periodontal surgical benefits. Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC participates with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO and will work with many other PPO plans on your behalf. Our team is happy to review your specific benefits during your consultation.
LANAP is performed under local anesthesia, so patients do not feel discomfort during the procedure itself. Post-treatment soreness is typically mild and manageable without prescription pain medication for most patients. The absence of incisions means there is no wound site that creates significant pain during healing.
Patients with well-managed systemic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease may actually be particularly well-suited for LANAP because of its minimally invasive nature. The reduced surgical stress and shorter recovery are meaningful advantages for patients who face greater risk with conventional surgical procedures. Dr. Reich evaluates each patient’s medical history thoroughly before making any treatment recommendation.
Periodontal regeneration is a gradual process. Many patients notice improvements in gum tissue appearance and reduced bleeding within the first few weeks after treatment. Bone regeneration occurs over a longer period, typically assessed at a follow-up evaluation six months after the procedure.
Following LANAP, patients are placed on a structured periodontal maintenance program, with cleanings and evaluations scheduled at regular intervals. Consistent maintenance visits are essential for protecting the results of treatment and catching any early signs of recurrence.
At Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC, we understand that the decision to pursue periodontal treatment requires trust. Dr. Reich has devoted over 25 years to providing individualized, compassionate periodontal care to patients across the Middlesex County region, including those in Old Bridge, Monroe, Marlboro, and beyond. From comprehensive evaluations to the most advanced laser technology available, our practice is equipped to help you keep your teeth and reclaim your gum health. We participate with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO and work with many other PPO plans to help make care as accessible as possible, with Cherry Financing available for qualifying patients.
Whether this is your first periodontal evaluation or you are seeking a second opinion before committing to traditional gum surgery, we welcome you to call our office at 732-257-7300 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our team is ready to help Old Bridge patients take the first step toward lasting periodontal health.
Dr. Daniel Reich is a board-certified periodontist with over 30 years of specialized experience in periodontal care and dental implantology. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he brings advanced expertise to every procedure at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants. Dr. Reich earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed his Specialty Certificate in Periodontics at SUNY Stony Brook. He currently serves as Director and Associate Professor of Periodontics at Yeshiva University College of Dental Medicine, where he trains future dental specialists while staying at the forefront of the latest periodontal techniques and technology.
We make quality periodontal care affordable with flexible payment options.
We participate with Delta Dental Premier and Cigna PPO and work with many dental PPO plans. We files claims on your behalf and provides benefit estimates before treatment.
We offer financing through Cherry Financing and other trusted partners, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at 732-257-7300 to discuss your insurance coverage and financing options.
Looking for an experienced periodontist in East Brunswick, NJ? Dr. Daniel Reich and our team at Middlesex Periodontics & Dental Implants provide expert periodontal care and dental implant services to patients throughout Middlesex County, including Monroe Township, Old Bridge, Sayreville, and surrounding communities.
We serve patients from East Brunswick, Monroe Township, Old Bridge, Sayreville, South River, Spotswood, and throughout Central New Jersey. Our office schedules most appointments within 10 days, and we offer same-day emergency appointments when available. No referral needed—you can schedule directly with our board-certified periodontist.
We’re dedicated to providing expert periodontal care and dental implant services in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our advanced technology, experienced team, and patient-centered approach make achieving optimal oral health easier than ever. From gum disease treatment to dental implants, we’re here to help you achieve your healthiest smile.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Daniel Reich for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs. Contact our East Brunswick office for personalized care or dental emergencies.
